Bursitis

Definition

Bursitis
is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a thin sac that lies between bone and soft tissue near certain joints. A healthy bursa allows smooth movement of soft tissue over bone. Inflammation can make it painful to move the nearby joint.

If the stress is not relieved, bursitis can become a long-term condition.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of bursitis include:

Repetitive motion activities when done to an extreme, such as swimming, running, or tennis

A job that requires:

Repetitive motions such as hammering or painting

Long hours in one position such as a carpenter kneeling

Contact sports

Sporting gear that is too tight

A puncture or deep cut that involves bursa

Symptoms

Bursitis may cause:

Pain in the area

Swelling

Reddened skin

Warmth around the area of the bursa

Decreased motion of the nearby joint

Decreased function of the nearby limb

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and your physical activities. The painful area will be examined.

Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with
x-rays
.

Treatment

Bursitis
treatment will focus on decreasing inflammation and pain. The main step is to stop the activity causing the pain. You will be asked to rest the area and protect it from injury.
Your doctor may also recommend:

If the bursitis is painful, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection. These injections have short-term benefits and some risk. They may be limited to conditions that interfere with daily activities.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Bursitis. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center website. Available at:
http://wexnermedical.osu.edu/patient-care/healthcare-services/arthritis-rheumatology/bursitis. Accessed December 15, 2013.

Bursitis and tendonitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Bursitis. Updated June 2013. Accessed December 15, 2013.

Tendinitis and bursitis. American College of Rheumatology. Available at:
http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases%5FAnd%5FConditions/Tendinitis%5Fand%5FBursitis. Updated February 2013. Accessed December 15, 2013.